2010 International Tour of Technology

Stiles introduced the tour of technology in 1993 as an opportunity for our customers to observe leading-edge solutions in order to improve their quality and production methods. Since its inception, nearly 1000 woodworkers from all sectors of the industry and all regions of the US have participated in this experience.

Tours have included visits to small family-owned shops, large manufacturing facilities, and everything in between. The focus has been on specific production capabilities combined with innovations in automation, products and processes across market segments – from the cabinet industry to office furniture, to fixtures to millwork plants. While benchmarking global influences, the tour also experiences the culture along the way. Many comment that the greatest value of the tour was the conversations during the bus ride as well as the debriefing at the end of each day to compare notes and apply what was observed. By building camaraderie within a network of peers, the learning experience became more valuable than we ever imagined.

Today, the tour of technology continues to be an integral part of Stiles value-added offerings. This tour will visit some of the world’s most innovative, efficient and productive facilities in Europe. You will gain insights on ways to make your business more successful by observing best practices from global influences.

At Stiles, our goal is to help our customers succeed in business, whether through equipment solutions, new technology or educational opportunities. The tour of technology is one of the ways we fulfill that promise. By providing this kind of educational opportunity, we are doing our part to help grow the industry’s business community so it has the strength to survive and prosper.